In order to title and register a vehicle in Minnesota following a purchase, you'll need certain documents from the seller.

Use this guide to learn more about the paperwork required by the MN Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division to properly transfer ownership.

Paperwork for Minnesota Car Buyers

The paperwork you'll need varies depending on whether you buy your car from a dealership, or a private seller.

For dealer purchases, the dealership will almost always handle the DVS documentation for you; however, if circumstances are otherwise, make sure to obtain a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) for new cars, or the current title for a used or certified pre-owned purchase.

If you bought your new car from a private seller, you'll need the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership yourself.

Vehicle History Report

A Vehicle History Report is not a required document, but it is extremely important to you as the buyer of a used car. The report will provide information about a car's past, such as:

An estimated odometer reading.

An accident history.

The car's involvement in theft or flooding.

For reassurance about the car you are thinking about buying, an Vehicle History Report is an invaluable tool. In fact, many dealers provide them to customers. However, if you're buying a car from a private seller, the small cost of a report is worth the truth about a car's history.